The offseason was loaded with major transactions that involved some of the biggest names in fantasy football. Here's our look at the 10 most prominent players to switch teams and how their draft value changes as a result.
Jason Campbell, QB, Raiders: Campbell's move to the Raiders improves his fantasy appeal, as he went from a backup behind Donovan McNabb to a starter for coach Tom Cable. While he does have the advantage of a favorable schedule, Campbell should still be seen as more of a No. 2 fantasy quarterback in drafts. He'll also be an attractive matchup-based starter, especially against AFC and NFC West opponents.
Jake Delhomme, QB, Browns: Remember the days when Delhomme was actually a viable fantasy starter? Well, the veteran has seen his value come crashing down in recent seasons. Delhomme has recorded more turnovers than touchdown passes since 2008, and now he takes over a Browns offense with very little firepower. In fact, he might be the least attractive NFL starting quarterback from a fantasy perspective. Delhomme is someone to avoid on draft day.
Donovan McNabb, QB, Redskins: After a shocking trade that sent him to an NFC East rival, McNabb takes over a less-talented offense in Washington than the one he left in Philadelphia. Still, he has the most favorable schedule among quarterbacks based on our FPA ratings and should still be considered a low-end No. 1 fantasy option. His presence is good news for Santana Moss and Devin Thomas, who both have additional value.
Thomas Jones, RB, Chiefs: Believe it or not, but Jones has finished in the top five in fantasy points among running backs on NFL.com in each of the last two seasons. That streak is destined to end in 2010, however. Now with the Chiefs, he'll be second on the depth chart behind Jamaal Charles and will experience an immense decrease in overall touches. He could be a viable flex starter with his new team, and is also one of the league's best fantasy handcuffs.
Chester Taylor, RB, Bears: A versatile veteran out of Toledo, Taylor signed with the Bears and will be utilized in a backfield committee with Matt Forte. That sort of scenario caps the statistical potential of both backs, even in the offense of new coordinator Mike Martz. While Taylor could turn into a viable flex starter with added value in PPR leagues, he'll be hard to trust in a prominent role while sharing touches with Forte on a week-to-week basis.
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets: Tomlinson's time as an elite fantasy running back are in the rearview mirror, as evidenced by his final season with the Chargers. Now second on the depth chart behind Shonn Greene in the Big Apple, Tomlinson figures to be used in passing situations and is no lock to see goal-line work. The fact that he'll run behind an elite offensive line is a positive, but owners shouldn't expect Tomlinson to be a major fantasy force.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens: The Ravens landed a solid No. 1 wide receiver in Boldin, who will instantly become the top option in the pass attack for Joe Flacco. The talented veteran out of Florida State should post 80-90 catches and is a virtual lock to record 1,000 yards and seven-plus touchdowns, barring injuries. Fantasy leaguers should consider him a solid No. 2 option with added value in scoring systems that reward points for receptions.
Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets: Holmes was traded to the Jets for a fifth-round pick during the offseason. It seems like a steal on paper, but Holmes will miss four games due to a league-imposed suspension and has far less value in Green and White. Aside from his suspension, Holmes must also compete with Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery for targets in an offense that won't abandon the run. It's a good idea to avoid Holmes as anything more than a reserve.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins: One of the biggest names to change teams, Marshall was dealt to the Dolphins and will be the team's surefire No. 1 option in the pass attack. The talented wideout should see a ton of targets and won't expereince a drastic change in value in teal and orange. However, it is worth noting that he'll have to face Jets CB Darrelle Revis twice. Overall, Marshall should be seen as a No. 1 fantasy wideout on draft day.
Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals: Owens used to be one of the elite wide receivers in fantasy football, but at 36 he's past his prime and no longer a threat to post consistently good numbers. He'll have to share targets with Chad Ochocinco, Antonio Bryant (who also signed with the Bengals), among others in 2010. As a result, you shouldn't draft T.O. as more than a No. 4 fantasy wideout in the low middle rounds.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com**!
